Microscope Device Multi-Directional Illumination Missing Cone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for acquiring a three-dimensional refractive index distribution of a sample face challenges due to a missing cone region in the phase optical transfer function (POTF), leading to inaccuracies in refractive index changes, especially in the z-direction.
Innovation Solution
The proposed microscope device comprises a first microscope part that irradiates a sample with a first illumination light in one direction and detects light in response, and a second microscope part that irradiates the sample with a second illumination light in a different direction and detects light, with a data processing part generating a three-dimensional refractive index distribution based on detection signals from both parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single microscope part is used to detect light from the sample, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of three-dimensional refractive index distribution deteriorates due to missing cone region in POTF
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent microscope parts, each detecting light from different directions. The first microscope part detects light in a first direction while the second microscope part detects light in a second direction, allowing comprehensive coverage of the POTF spectrum including previously missing cone regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-direction detection to multi-directional detection by introducing microscope parts that detect light from different spatial dimensions. This dimensional expansion fills the missing cone region in the POTF and enables accurate three-dimensional refractive index reconstruction.
2Measurement precision
If illumination light is directed only in one direction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of refractive index in z-direction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric illumination configurations where the first and second microscope parts illuminate the sample from different directions. This asymmetric approach enables detection of light paths that were previously inaccessible, particularly improving z-direction refractive index measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
By introducing illumination from multiple directions rather than a single direction, the system adds spatial dimensionality to the measurement process. This multi-directional illumination enables accurate reconstruction of three-dimensional refractive index distributions, particularly in the z-direction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the size of the missing cone region in the POTF, allowing for a more accurate generation of three-dimensional refractive index distributions, thereby improving the accuracy of refractive index measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a first microscope part that irradiates a sample with a first illumination light toward a first direction and detects light from the sample in response to the irradiation with the first illumination light
Implementation Method 2
a second microscope part that irradiates the sample with a second illumination light toward a second direction and detects light from the sample in response to the irradiation with the second illumination light
Data Source
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AI summary
A microscope device (1) comprises: a first microscope part (10) that irradiates a sample (SA) with a first illumination light toward a first direction and detects light from the sample (SA) in response to the irradiation with the first illumination light; a second microscope part (50) that irradiates the sample (SA) with a second illumination light toward a second direction and detects light from the sample (SA) in response to the irradiation with the second illumination light, the second direction being different from the first direction; and a data processing part that generates a three-dimensional refractive index distribution on the sample based on a detection signal for the light detected by the first microscope part (10) and a detection signal for the light detected by the second microscope part (50).